BRIDGEPORT, Pa — Former Navy water polo athlete Capt. Gilbert E. Clark, Jr., was recently selected to become the 91st Commandant of Midshipmen of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. A native of San Diego, Calif., he is a USNA Class of 1998 graduate and most recently served as the first commander, Naval Surface Group Southwest.
The Naval Academy Commandant is similar to the Dean of Students at a civilian university and is responsible for the day-to-day conduct, military training, and professional development of approximately 4,400 midshipmen. Clark replaces former Commandant of Midshipmen, Capt. Walter H. Allman III. Allman has been selected for promotion to the grade of rear admiral (lower half), and will depart this summer after a successful one-year assignment to serve in the Fleet in his next assignment.
“I am deeply honored and humbled for the opportunity to lead the Brigade of Midshipmen and forge our next generation of Navy and Marine Corps leaders,” said Clark. “There is nothing quite like the enthusiasm and dedication demonstrated by the Brigade, staff, and faculty. Our family is excited to come back to the Naval Academy and join a team committed to building the warfighters our nation needs to fight and win from the sea.”
After earning his undergraduate degree at the U.S. Naval Academy, Capt. Clark went on to graduate from the Naval War College with additional study at the Maritime Advanced Warfighting School, receiving a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies.
His sea assignments include weapons officer, USS Denver (LPD 9); reactor electrical division officer, USS George Washington (CVN 73); engineer officer, USS Klakring (FFG 42); and material officer, commander, Amphibious Squadron Three. He also served as both the executive officer and commanding officer of USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), during which The Sullivans provided direct support to Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria,and the opening strikes of Operation Odyssey Lightning in Libya. Additionally, The Sullivans received the Battle Efficiency Award and Retention Excellence Award during his tour. Captain Clark’s most recent sea tour was as the deputy commodore and commodore for Destroyer Squadron One.
Ashore assignments include security officer for Naval Weapons Station, Charleston, South Carolina; lead operational planner for Naval Forces, Central Command; lead strategic planner for United States Central Command; commander of Afloat Training Group Western Pacific; executive assistant to the Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy; Deputy Commander, Surface and Mine Warfare Development Center; and most recently as the first commander, Naval Surface Group Southwest.
His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit (four), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal (3), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five), Joint Service Achievement Medal (two), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and others. Captain Clark is married to the former Heather Lohbeck of Pensacola, Fla., and has three children: Lily, Chloe, and Jax.
